Coimbra
Interactive science discovery

Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre

An interactive hub for science discovery and family learning in Coimbra.

ScienceNature

A hands-on science centre with interactive exhibitions, experiments and educational programmes for families and schools. Visitors manipulate exhibits and test ideas across changing themes designed to make scientific concepts tangible.

A hands-on science centre with interactive exhibitions, experiments and educational programmes for families and schools.

Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre
About Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre

The Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre offers a hands-on environment dedicated to interactive science for families and schools in Coimbra. Visitors engage with experiments that make complex concepts tangible through a variety of changing themes. This dynamic visitor experience connects the local academic spirit with accessible inquiry, encouraging guests to test ideas across the centre's diverse, hands-on scientific exhibitions.

Exterior view of Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre in Coimbra.
Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre opening hours in Coimbra

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Coimbra.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
-
10:00-13:00 · 14:00-18:00
10:00-13:00 · 14:00-18:00
10:00-13:00 · 14:00-18:00
10:00-13:00 · 14:00-18:00
10:00-13:00 · 14:00-18:00
10:00-13:00 · 14:00-18:00
Admission and Ticket Information for Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre

Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre offers various admission options for visitors to explore its interactive science exhibitions. Ticket pricing includes individual rates for adults and children aged three and older, as well as a family pass for two adults and their children. Children up to age two and Ciência Viva Card holders may enter for free. Group options are also available to accommodate different visitor needs during your time in Coimbra.

Child age 3+
€8.00
Adult
€10.00
Two adults and their children
€20.00
Visitor amenities and facilities at Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre

Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre provides a range of practical amenities to support your visit, including full wheelchair accessibility throughout the site. Families can explore dedicated discovery areas and hands-on exhibits, while school groups may access guided programming subject to specific booking conditions. Visitors arriving by bicycle or public transport will find convenient infrastructure nearby, and an on-site ticket office is available to facilitate your entry.

Accessible science centre

Available

Hands-on science exhibits

Available

Children's discovery areas

Available

School and group programmes

Limited
Family visits at Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre

The Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre is designed for collaborative discovery, featuring hands-on science exhibits and discovery areas suitable for children aged 3 to 17. Visitors can engage with interactive science experiences or explore the hemispherical cinema. Detailed information on age-specific workshops and family ticketing options is available to help plan your visit.

Recommended age: Ages 3–17

UC Exploratório is purpose-built for family science discovery with hands-on exhibits, workshops and family and combined tickets.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Hands-on science exhibits
  • Hemispherical cinema
  • Family ticket
  • Workshops

Activities and resources for children

Interactive experience

Hands-on science exhibits

Ages 3–17

The documented family offer includes hands-on science exhibits.

Interactive experience

Children's discovery areas

Ages 3–17

Children's discovery areas is a recurring part of the venue's documented family offer.

Museum pass access at Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre

Visitors to Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre can enjoy streamlined entry through specific integrated museum passes. These options provide a convenient way to explore the science centre's interactive exhibitions as part of a broader cultural visit in Coimbra. Please check individual pass conditions to confirm specific inclusion and access details for your visit.

Location of Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre

The Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre is situated in the Lages neighborhood of Coimbra, providing a central point for educational discovery. Its placement near riverside sites and academic spaces allows visitors to easily integrate a hands-on experience into their broader exploration of the city. This accessible location serves as an ideal starting point for families looking to engage with interactive science while navigating the cultural landscape of the region.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Rotunda das Lages

3040-255 Coimbra

Lages, Coimbra District, PT

Planning your visit to Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre

Visitors should plan for an experience lasting between 120 and 180 minutes at the Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre. It is highly recommended to make a reservation prior to arrival to ensure entry. As opening hours may vary by day, checking the current schedule and ticket requirements in advance is essential for a smooth visit to the Lages neighborhood of Coimbra.

Planning your visit to Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre

Experiencing Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre

The Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre offers a dynamic space dedicated to hands-on learning through interactive exhibitions and experimental stations. Located in the Lages area of Coimbra, the venue invites families, students, and curious visitors to engage directly with scientific concepts through tangible activities. By manipulating various exhibits, guests explore evolving themes that bring nature and science to life. The center provides a unique educational atmosphere where academic inquiry meets accessibility for all ages, making it a distinct destination for those exploring the city.

Interior view of Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre in Coimbra.
Top exhibition picks at Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre
Curated museum program highlights and what to see now in Coimbra
Discover high-interest exhibitions at Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre, selected to help you prioritize your route, compare show themes, and plan a more rewarding museum visit in Coimbra.
Abstract purple watercolor painting featuring flowing washes of violet and deep indigo on white paper, with organic bleeding edges and scattered droplets.
From Mar 29, 2024

Algarve: Cave Biodiversity Hotspot Photography Exhibition at UC Exploratório

A photographic exploration of rare cave species in the Algarve region.

Discover a secretive ecosystem through the lens of National Geographic photographer António Luís Campos. The collection highlights over 25 identified troglobitic species and their importance to environmental balance.

Exhibition Details
Watercolor illustration of a futuristic exhibition space featuring glowing petri dishes with colorful microbial cultures on a curved table, surrounded by silhouetted visitors and large projected microscopic cellular imagery.

Pet Microorganisms Digital Exhibition Featuring Research Insights at Exploratório Coimbra

An engaging look at the invisible world of microbes and scientific discovery.

Discover a collection of photographic cultures accompanied by expert testimonials from global researchers. This digital exhibition offers an accessible way to examine the importance of microorganisms in science and environmental research.

Pet Microorganisms
Watercolor illustration in purple tones of a science exhibition gallery featuring flat, concave, and convex mirrors arranged to create distorted reflections and light patterns.

Mirrors - Inside and Outside Reality at UC Exploratório

Interactive exhibition exploring the science and art of light.

Engage with immersive installations that demonstrate how mirrors reflect reality and assist in space research. Experience hands-on experiments covering optics, symmetry, and the technology behind modern telescopes.

Mirrors Exhibition

History and Development of the Exploratório

The Exploratório was established in 1995 as part of a national initiative to expand interactive science education in Portugal. Originally focused on inquiry-based learning for schools and families, the center eventually transitioned into a purpose-built facility within the Parque Verde do Mondego. This expansion solidified the site as a **key public-science infrastructure** in Coimbra, utilizing a hemispherical cinema and dedicated galleries to make complex concepts tangible.

  • Coimbra science centre founded in 1995

    1995Founding

    Exploratório was founded in 1995 as Portugal developed a national network of interactive science centres. Its early work focused on making experimentation and inquiry accessible to schools and families.

  • Hands-on science centre

    Opening

    UC Exploratório uses interactive exhibitions, a hemispherical cinema and workshops to make science accessible to children, families and schools.

  • Purpose-built riverfront centre

    Relocation

    A new building in Parque Verde do Mondego expanded the centre's exhibition and workshop capacity in the twenty-first century. Interactive galleries and a hemispherical cinema made the venue a permanent part of Coimbra's public-science infrastructure.

Questions and Answers About Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre

Curious about your visit to Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre? From finding the nearest bike rack to checking our accessibility details, our FAQ section clears up the mysteries of science exploration so you can focus on the hands-on fun waiting inside.

Is Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre open on Mondays?

No, Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre is closed on Mondays.

What are the weekend opening hours for Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre?

On weekends, Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre welcomes visitors during regular visiting hours from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00 on both Saturdays and Sundays.

What are the opening hours of Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre?

Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with visiting hours split into two daily intervals from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00.

Does Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre have special opening hours or holiday closures?

There are currently no listed special opening hours or holiday closures for Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre.

Visitor tips for Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre

A visit to the Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre typically requires between two and three hours to fully experience the interactive exhibits and discovery areas. It is recommended to secure a reservation in advance to help plan your time effectively. As this center is highly focused on hands-on exploration for families and school groups, arriving early on a weekday can offer a quieter environment to enjoy the galleries. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that most visitors can comfortably navigate the science-based collections and educational displays.

Visitor experience at Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre

The Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre in Coimbra offers an engaging environment well-suited for families, students, and curious individuals interested in science and nature. Visitors can expect a hands-on experience where interactive exhibits and experiments allow for active exploration of scientific concepts. The venue provides dedicated children's discovery areas and is designed to be accessible to a wide range of guests. With its focus on educational programs and interactive learning, it serves as a destination for those seeking an informative and practical visit.

Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre in Images

Explore the visual landscape of the Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre, showcasing both its distinctive architectural facade and the dynamic interior spaces designed for discovery. These images highlight the hands-on environment where families and young visitors engage with interactive science. View these perspectives to understand the venue's role as a key center for scientific curiosity in Coimbra.

Interior view of Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre in Coimbra.
Interior view of Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre in Coimbra.
Interior view of Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre in Coimbra.
Exterior view of Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre in Coimbra.
Representative view of Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre in Coimbra.
Interior view of Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre in Coimbra.
Representative view of Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre in Coimbra.
Representative view of Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre in Coimbra.
Representative view of Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre in Coimbra.
Representative view of Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre in Coimbra.
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Explore Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre with Coimbra
Guides, visitor info, and museum details in Coimbra
Find everything about Exploratório – Coimbra Science Centre in one place, including tickets, opening hours, current exhibitions, location details, visitor tips, nearby attractions, and the latest museum updates. Use these pages to plan your visit, discover what to see, and get practical information before you go.
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